Former SF Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval stopped by Oracle Park on Friday, catching up with several old colleagues prior to the game. Giants manager Gabe Kapler was happy to see Sandoval, who he managed in 2020, back at the ballpark. During his pregame media availability on Friday afternoon, Kapler was asked to recall his most memorable moment with "Kung Fu Panda." His answer will surprise you.
"This is a compliment," Kapler clarified before providing prior to his answer. "You could always smell Pablo. Very intentional about his scent. He walked in the dugout, and you knew Pablo was there. He smelled good, ready to play baseball."
When asked exactly what scent Kapler recalled, he described it as having "strong gasoline tones and notes." While others may have a much more negative reaction to the notion of a cologne that wreaks of gasoline, Kapler insisted that he was a fan.
"It's a very manly scent," Kapler added. "Very strong. Announces your presence. Powerful."
Perhaps Kapler would have a different memory if he had coached Sandoval during the prime of his career. After all, Sandoval had plenty of memorable moments over the course of his 14-year MLB career, most of which was with the Giants. A two-time All-Star, three-time champion, and 2014 World Series MVP, Sandoval's athleticism, swing, and outings on the mound as a pitcher late in his career probably stand out most to most fans.
On a less cologne-based note, Kapler did praise Sandoval for the fervor he maintained throughout his career.
"I'm glad that Pablo's here, man. One thing about Pablo that was really refreshing is, even at the end of his career, he still wanted to play all the time. He wanted the big moment. He was always prepared in the cage. It's hard to be a veteran player and maintain that youthful enthusiasm about playing baseball."
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